Home » Calico Cat vs. Chimera Cat: Are They The Same?

Calico Cat vs. Chimera Cat: Are They The Same?

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Calico Cat vs. Chimera Cat: Are They The Same?

Calico cats and Chimera cats may be mistaken for one another due to their striking and unique appearances. However, despite some similarities, they are actually quite different. Calico cats are known for their distinctive tri-color coat, while chimeric cats have two distinct fur patterns on different sides of their body. In this blog post, we will explore the fascinating world of these two types of cats and delve into their differences and similarities.

Chimera cats have been making waves on social media due to their captivating appearance, often referred to as “two-faced” or “split-faced.” But what exactly is a Chimera cat?

In this post, we will provide an explanation and everything else you need to know about these unique felines. Whether you’re a cat lover or just curious about these stunning creatures, read on to discover the wonders of Chimera cats and how they differ from calico cats.

Table of Contents

What Is A Chimera Cat?

In short, a Chimera is a bicolor cat that has a striking face usually one side brown and one side black, but this can vary. You have seen these “two-faced” beauties on social media like Facebook or Instagram. They will have one color scheme on the left side of their face and another on the right side with a line that is a lot of times, perfectly straight. While it seems that Mother Nature is playing tricks on you, Chimerism is, in fact, something that happens to many animals in nature and has made for a popular trope in Science Fiction and Mythology. In other words, Chimerism is not just applicable to this one cat.

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Chimera cats have two different sets of DNA. This is the result of two embryos fusing into one. To put it bluntly, a chimera cat is to two fraternal twins that are combined into one single cat.

This is where science meets science fiction. Chimera cats have genetic input from two different individuals. This makes them relatively rare, but not the result of a science experiment.

How do I know if my cat is Calico or Chimera?

You’ll know if it is a Chimera cat by the obvious half and half looking face. The divide between colors is very obvious and not blurred like in feline markings and various color patches. Chimera cats have the look of having the perfect halves of two different cats on one face that are perfectly symmetrical and with different colored eyes. But what causes this unique coloring? While these cats are their animal, they’re its fraternal twin. They can be male, female, or even hermaphroditic. When the embryos merge, it can give the cat the two distinct patterns.

It should be noted that the difference isn’t always in the facial fur that most cats of this phenomenon have,making chimera cats so popular.

They could have a straight thumb, eyes that are different colors, or their differences are undetectable on the surface. The results of the apparent differences like facial fur and eyes have proven to be quite spectacular.

What Is A Calico Cat?

In short, a Calico is a multi-colored feline usually brown and black markings with an all white body. You’ve probably seen them before. Some have white fur with large orange and black spots or patterns or other mixes in-between. Like other cats, they’re beautiful, exotic in their way, and man people love to have a Calico as a pet. You may have also heard that all Calico Cats are female. This has a lot to do with color patterns and genetics.

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They aren’t a breed of cats either. And are known for their tri-colored coats. While being a gorgeous cat, their genetics have mystified scientists since the 1940s. In some folklore, these Calico cat fury beauties are said to bring their owner good luck.

They are predominantly female. Most likely, 99.9 percent are going to be female. They also can’t be bred as male Calico Cats are sterile. They are a product of nature’s beauty.

Most male cats are rare and will have XY chromosomes, while female cats will have the XX chromosomes.

For many female cats, part of their color genes comes from the extra leg on the second X.

Usually, male cats with the same genes will be either black or orange, but not both as they don’t carry the same extra leg on their second chromosome.

In rare instances, Calicos can be male. This genetic abnormality is due to and extreme mutation in their genes. Don’t worry; these are more-than-likely benign, so your kitty is safe. There is very good information from the study of cats out of Miami that gives good scientific data “The Genetics of Calico Cats”.

Some may also look male but still carry the extra chromosome of a female cat. This can make some hermaphroditic either at their base DNA level or something more visible like fur or eye color. Male calicos are not only rare, but their XXY variety usually makes them sterile. There are, however, other conditions that can make a male cat calico.

Calico cats are also not breed specific. You can find them in the following breeds, though you aren’t limited to them.

Devon Rexes
Sphynxes
Maine Coons
Munchkins
Siberians
Exotics
Manx
Turkish Van
Scottish Fold
Hemmingway Cats

If you are too worried about a cat’s breed, you will probably have a good chance of finding one at your local shelter. This will be not only helpful for the cat as they’ll be adopted into a loving family, but you’ll gain a new feline friend for years to come. It’s best to consider that many calicos aren’t bred intentionally for their color, as this is quite a common thing for cats to produce in nature.

You may have heard of Calico Siamese cat mix or a Calico and Tabby mix cat. Both are gorgeous!

For content on Siamese cats, Siamese kitten and purebred Siamese information, check out our blog
The Ultimate Do Siamese Cats Make Good Pets Guide.

Calico vs Chimera: Are They the Same?

The answer is not what you expect. The short answer is no. While both Calico and Chimera share some unique coloring and not being a specific breed, this is where their similarities end.

A Calico gets its coloring due to its XX chromosomes, which are used to determine a Calico’s color and gender. They are famous cats, and many cat lovers purposely looking for this specific coloring.

For Chimera’s, their makeup is more complicated. They are a combination of two embryos fused together into one unique personality.

Plus, they can be male, female, and even show signs of both sexes. Their coloring is much more unique than a Calico’s.

They can have two different colored eyes, or each side of their face can have a different color, like brown on one side, black on the other in perfect symmetry.

Through the ages, cats have played a unique role in the lives of humanity. Their history is rich and vibrant, and Calicos and Chimeras play an even substantial part of this feline history.

Scientists and other people have found both of these types of cat fascinating. It’s hard to resist their stunning features, and their personalities are the epitome of typical cats.

They make great pets or companions like any other cat, and with proper training, diet, exercise, and care will be a great friend to last you many years.

Although it may be tempting to find Chimera kittens for sale, we highly recommend researching various rescues first. You may find kittens ready to be adopted that need a good home. Why not check around, you could be saving a kitty cat who would otherwise be left at a shelter.

Gift Ideas For A Calico Cat Lover

Cat lovers have a tendency to show their affection and interests in cats through all types of products they use. Coffee mugs, keychains, pictures, posters, books, stickers, portraits clothing and even cat tattoos.

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Lisa Illman is the Founder of Kritter Kommunity, LLC. She has a tuxedo male adult cat currently and she has had him since he was a baby kitten; so Lisa knows well the kitten lifecycle, the teenage cat lifecycle and the adult cat lifecycle (he is currently 11 years old). Prior to her cat Finnegan, Lisa had two FIV positive cats for a decade. They inspired Lisa to invent a cat enclosure so they could safely sit outside and enjoy fresh air and sunshine. She brought the product to market and eventually designed a line of portable catios; they sold on Amazon, Skymall Catalogue, Wayfair and countless other websites. Her experience being a cat parent coupled with her business development and product management experience make her a trusted cat enthusiast partner. She and Finnegan (her cat) test, research and review pet products to give readers the best feedback possible.